10 year plan

[pinkdoves, BSN]

Becoming a nursing professor is the ultimate end goal for me. I know it might be ridiculous to be thinking about this, as I am a brand spanking new nurse, but I am just wondering how you even get to this point. I have heard and read various requirements on how to become a professor and what degrees to obtain. My questions are:

1) How many years of acute care should I get?

2) What degree is best? Should I just get a Masters in nursing education or should I get a masters/PhD in something else?

3) Is becoming a clinical instructor the best way to get my foot in the door? I specialize in pediatrics so I feel there may be limited spots for this type of job

any advice would be appreciated. I have always loved teaching and love when nursing students come follow me around (even though I'm new myself haha!) I like to be proactive with my goals, and trust me, I know I won't be able to achieve this in 2 seconds ? Thanks in advance!!

[BigRich]

I would advise you to become a clinical instructor first if possible before you get an advanced degree. If you enjoy being a clinical instructor then begin to think about another degree. The reason I say this is because there is more to teaching than just "teaching". There is committee work and research and more. Working for the college will expose you to this. So make sure you want to teach first, then go from there. As far as experience, I had 3-4 years of experience before I started my MSN in nursing education. I had no problem finding a teaching job. Now teaching full-time working on DNP. GL to you. Teaching is a great career.

[pinkdoves, BSN]

On 3/27/2020 at 1:05 AM, BigRich said:

I would advise you to become a clinical instructor first if possible before you get an advanced degree. If you enjoy being a clinical instructor then begin to think about another degree. The reason I say this is because there is more to teaching than just "teaching". There is committee work and research and more. Working for the college will expose you to this. So make sure you want to teach first, then go from there. As far as experience, I had 3-4 years of experience before I started my MSN in nursing education. I had no problem finding a teaching job. Now teaching full-time working on DNP. GL to you. Teaching is a great career.

thank you so much for your advice!! I will keep this in mind :)

[caliotter3]

Before the concrete steps later, any of the following might be available to you to start your nursing education resume: CPR instructor, instructor in CNA program, then LPN/LVN program, any job description with teaching or education, director of staff development in a facility (there is a certification for this position in my state), education department in any hospital or other facility. Look for these positions on the employment websites.